Game equipment support structure

ABSTRACT

A game equipment support structure comprises a base, a pole support, and a panel having a support fitting fixedly attached thereto. A first end of the pole support is releasably connectable to the base and a second end of the pole support is releasably connectable to the support fitting. The game equipment support structure is readily configurable between a first panel configuration and a second panel configuration. In the first panel configuration, the panel is oriented generally vertically and a game apparatus is detachably mounted to the panel. In the second panel configuration the panel is oriented generally horizontally to form a table.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/441,041, “Integrated system for mounting and playingvarious games”, filed Jan. 17, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to games which includeelevated game equipment, for example a darts game board or a basketballrim, and more particularly to structures used to support such elevatedequipment.

[0003] Games including elevated equipment, such as dart boards andbasketball rims, are well known in the art. Such game equipment istypically rigidly mounted to walls or other fixed structures, eitherdirectly or through members which connect the game equipment to thefixed structure. A need exists for a game equipment support structurewhich is portable, easily assembled and disassembled, adjustable inheight and capable of supporting equipment associated with differenttypes of games.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Briefly, the invention is a game equipment support structurecomprising a base defining a support plane and a pole support, a firstend of the pole support being releaseably connectable to the base. Thesupport structure further comprises a panel having at least a firstmajor planar surface, the panel further having a support fitting fixedlyattached thereto. A second end of the pole support is releasablyconnectable to the support fitting. The game equipment support structureis readily configurable between first and second panel configurations.In the first panel configuration the pole support is formed by at leastone pole member. The first end of the pole support has a firstlongitudinal axis and the second end of the pole support has a secondlongitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the first longitudinalaxis, such that when the support fitting is connected to the polesupport, the first major planar surface of the panel is generallyperpendicular to the support plane. Also in the first panelconfiguration, the first major planar surface of the panel includes adetachable game apparatus. In the second panel configuration, the polesupport is formed by a single pole member having a single longitudinalaxis, such that when the support fitting is connected to the polesupport, the first major planar surface of the panel is generallyparallel to the support plane to form a table.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention is a game equipment supportstructure comprising a base defining a support plane and a pole support,a first end of the pole support being releaseably connectable to thebase. The support structure further comprises a panel having at least afirst major planar surface, the panel further having a support fittingfixedly attached thereto. A second end of the pole support is releasablyconnectable to the support fitting. The game equipment support structureis readily configurable between first and second panel configurations.In the first panel configuration the pole support is formed by at leastone pole member. The first end of the pole support has a firstlongitudinal axis and the second end of the pole support has a secondlongitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the first longitudinalaxis, such that when the support fitting is connected to the polesupport, the first major planar surface of the panel is orientedgenerally perpendicular to the support plane. Also in the first panelconfiguration, the first major planar surface of the panel includes adetachable game apparatus. In the second panel configuration, the polesupport is formed by a single pole member. The single pole member has afirst end with a first longitudinal axis and a second end of the singlepole member has a second longitudinal axis parallel to the firstlongitudinal axis. When the support fitting is connected to the polesupport, the first major planar surface of the panel is generallyparallel to the support plane to form a table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following detailed description of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presentlypreferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled game equipmentsupport structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, having a panel shown in a first panel configurationand a pole assembly shown in a first pole configuration, the supportstructure supporting a dart board game apparatus;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the support structure ofFIG. 1, shown in the first panel configuration and a second poleconfiguration, supporting a basketball goal assembly game apparatus;

[0010]FIG. 3 a front perspective view of the support structure of FIG.1, shown in a second panel configuration and a third pole configuration,to form a first table;

[0011]FIG. 4 a front perspective view of the support structure of FIG.1, shown in the second panel configuration and a fourth poleconfiguration, to form a second table;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the support structure of FIG.1, shown in the first panel configuration and first pole configuration;

[0013]FIG. 6 is a plan view of pole members which, in variouscombinations, form the pole configurations of FIGS. 1-4; and

[0014]FIG. 7 is a plan view of base and panel components of the supportstructure of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Certain terminology is used in the following description forconvenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “top”,and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference ismade. The words “interior” and “exterior” refer to directions toward andaway from, respectively, the geometric center of the game equipmentsupport structure and designated parts thereof. The terminology includesthe words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words ofsimilar import.

[0016] Referring to the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals areused to designate the same components throughout the figures, there isshown in FIGS. 1-7 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, a game equipment support structure 10. The supportstructure 10 is shown to comprise a base 20, a pole support 30, a panel80 and a game apparatus 100 detachably mounted to the panel 80. The base20 is shown to form a support plane 24 on which the base 20 restsgenerally horizontally in normal operation.

[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the pole support 30 is shown infirst, second, third and fourth pole configurations 30 a-30 d,respectively. In the first pole configuration, the pole support 30 isassembled from first, second and third pole members 40, 50 and 60,respectively. In the second pole configuration, the pole support 30 isformed by second and third pole members 50 and 60. In the third poleconfiguration, the pole support 30 is formed by second pole member 50only. And in the fourth pole configuration 30 d, the pole support 30 isformed by first pole member 40 only.

[0018]FIGS. 1 and 2 show the support structure 10 having the panel 80mounted in a first panel configuration 12, wherein the panel 80 isoriented generally vertically to form an elevated game apparatussupport. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the panel 80 mounted in a generallyhorizontal second panel configuration 14, to form a table.

[0019] With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the base 20 is shapedgenerally as a square disk, and is a hollow shell filled with aninexpensive, dense material such as sand. Other fill materials, such aswater, could be substituted. If a liquid were to be used as the fillmaterial, the base 20 would further include internal baffles (not shown)to limit sloshing of the liquid when the base 20 is moved. The shell ispreferably fabricated from a polymeric material, but other materialssuch as metal could be substituted. The base 20 could alternatively besolid. The base 20 is further provided with a central hole 22 (see FIG.7) sized to releasably receive a first end 32 of the pole support 30.

[0020] With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pole support 30includes, in various combinations for the various pole configurations 30a-30 d, the first segment 40, the second pole member 50 and the thirdpole member 60. The first pole member 40 has first and second parallel,offset ends 42, 44 connected by a middle portion 46 which is angledrelative to the first and second ends 42, 44. The second pole member 50is generally straight and has a first straight end 52 and a secondstraight end 54. The third pole member 60 has a first angled end 62which is bent at an angle relative to an elongated middle portion 66.The third pole member 60 has a second radiused end 64 which is curvedsuch that a central longitudinal axis 64 a extending from an end face 70of the second end 64 makes an angle of approximately 90 degrees with acentral longitudinal axis 62 a of the first end 62.

[0021] When the pole support 30 is assembled in the first poleconfiguration 30 a, the first offset end 42 fits within the hole 22 inthe base 20. The first straight end 52 has a diameter slightly less thanthe diameter of the second offset end 44, allowing the first straightend 52 to be inserted within the second offset end 44. A fastener 48,for example a set screw, disposed in the second offset end 44 may betightened against the second pole member 50 to secure the second polemember 50 to the first pole member 40. Similarly, the first angled end62 has a diameter which is slightly larger than a diameter of the secondstraight end 54, allowing the second straight end 54 to be insertedwithin the first angled end 62. A fastener 68, for example a set screw,disposed in the first angled end 62 may be tightened against the secondpole member 50 to secure the second pole member 50 to the third polemember 60.

[0022] The pole members 40, 50 and 60 are preferably fabricated frommetal tubing using fabrication techniques well known in the art.Alternatively, other materials such as polymeric materials or wood couldbe substituted. Likewise, from this disclosure the artisan wouldrecognize that the pole members 40, 50 and 60 could be assembledtogether using a variety of techniques other than the male and femaleend portions secured together with set screws, for example male andfemale end portions secured together by an interference fit or threadedsleeve clamp connections.

[0023] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, in the first poleconfiguration 30 a, where the pole support is formed by the first,second and third pole members 40, 50 and 60, the first end 32 of thepole support 30 has a first longitudinal axis 32 a and a second end 34of the pole support has a second longitudinal axis 34 a generallyperpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 32 a. In the first poleconfiguration 30 a, the pole support 30 further has an offset portionintermediate the first and second ends 32 and 34, whereby a center ofgravity of the panel 80 is generally aligned with a center of gravity ofthe base 20.

[0024] Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the second poleconfiguration 30 b, where the pole support 30 is formed by second andthird pole members 50 and 60, the pole support first longitudinal axis32 a corresponds to second pole member longitudinal axis 50 a and thirdpole member first longitudinal axis 62 a. The pole support secondlongitudinal axis 34 a corresponds to third pole member secondlongitudinal axis 64 a. As the third pole member first and secondlongitudinal axes 62 a and 64 a are generally perpendicular, so too thefirst and second pole support longitudinal axes 32 a and 34 a are alsogenerally perpendicular.

[0025] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 6, in the third poleconfiguration 30 c, where the pole support 30 is formed by second polemember 50, the pole support 30 has a single longitudinal axiscorresponding to second pole member longitudinal axis 50 a.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in the fourth pole configuration 30 d,the pole support 30 is formed by first pole member 40. The first polemember 40 has first end 42 with a first longitudinal axis 42 a,corresponding to pole support first longitudinal axis 32 a, and secondend 44 with a second longitudinal axis 44 a parallel to the first polemember first longitudinal axis 42 a, corresponding to the pole supportsecond longitudinal axis 34 a. Thus in the fourth pole configuration 30d, the pole support longitudinal axis 32 a is parallel to the secondpole support longitudinal axis 32 b.

[0027] From this disclosure, the artisan would further recognize thatthe pole support 30 could be fabricated as a single member of uniformlength or as a first pole member which moves telescopically within asecond pole member.

[0028] The panel 80 is preferably a generally square board-like memberwith a first major planar surface 82 and a second major planar surface84. A support fitting 88 is disposed on the second major planar surface84. The support fitting 88 includes a flat mounting plate 90 from whicha circular cylinder portion 92 extends away from the second major planarsurface 84. The second radiused end 64 of the third pole member 60 is ofa slightly smaller diameter than the cylindrical portion 92, and may beinserted within the cylindrical portion 92. A fastener (not clearlyshown), preferably a set screw, is disposed in the cylindrical portion92 and may be tightened against the radiused end 64 to secure the panel80 to the pole support 30.

[0029] The panel 80 is preferably fabricated from wood, although othermaterials including polymeric materials and metal could be substituted.From this disclosure, the artisan would recognize that the panel 80could be assembled to the pole support 30 using a variety of techniques,including an interference fit between mating male and female portions ora threaded sleeve clamp.

[0030] In use, the support structure 10 is readily reconfigurablebetween the first and second panel configurations 12 and 14 and thefirst through fourth pole support configurations 30 a-30 d. Withreference now again to FIG. 1, the support structure 10 is shown in thefirst panel configuration 12, and in the first pole configuration 30 a,where the longitudinal axis 32 a is generally perpendicular to thesecond longitudinal axis 34 a, such that when the support fitting 88 isconnected to the pole support 30, the first major planar surface 82 ofthe panel 80 is generally perpendicular to the support plane 24. Also,FIG. 1 illustrates the game apparatus 100 being a dart board 102. Thegame apparatuses 100 are readily detachable from the panel 80 usingtechniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, support bolts could be installed in the panel 80 and the gameapparatus 100 hung from the support bolts, the support bolts being heldsecure with wing nuts. Other techniques for detachably mounting the gameapparatuses exist, for example a sliding tongue and groove typeconnection.

[0031] With reference now to FIG. 2, the support structure 10 is shownin the first panel configuration 12 and in the second pole configuration30 b. As in the first pole configuration 30 a, the longitudinal axis 32a is generally perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 34 a, suchthat when the support fitting 88 is connected to the pole support 30,the first major planar surface 82 of the panel 80 is generallyperpendicular to the support plane 24. The game apparatus 100 is shownto be the basketball goal assembly 104. FIG. 2 illustrates that heightof the support structure 10 may be adjusted by changing between thefirst and second pole configurations 30 a and 30 b.

[0032] With reference now to FIG. 3, the support structure 10 is shownin the second panel configuration 14, and in the third poleconfiguration 30 c. In the third pole configuration 30 c, the polesupport 30 has a single longitudinal axis corresponding to longitudinalaxis 50 a, such that when the support fitting 88 is connected to thepole support 30, the first major planar surface 82 of the panel 80 isgenerally parallel to the support plane 24 to form a first table. FIG. 3further illustrates the game apparatus 100 removed from the first majorplanar surface 82. In the second panel configuration 14, the supportstructure 10 is well-suited for use with table games such as checkers,chess, Chinese checkers or backgammon.

[0033] With reference now to FIG. 4, the support structure 10 is shownin the second panel configuration 14 and in the fourth poleconfiguration 30 d. In the fourth pole configuration 30 d, thelongitudinal axis 32 a is offset from and generally parallel to thesecond longitudinal axis 34 a, such that when the support fitting 88 isconnected to the pole support 30, the first major planar surface 82 ofthe panel 80 is generally parallel to the support plane 24 to form asecond table, the top panel 80 of which is offset from the base 20.

[0034] From the foregoing it can be seen that the present inventioncomprises a support structure which can be used to support gameequipment associated with different types of games. The supportstructure is easily assembled and disassembled, portable and adjustablein height. The present invention is exceedingly versatile in that it canbe a table for normal use and yet be easily and readily converted to abackboard for a variety of games including darts and basketball. Assuch, it is an ideal device for use by youths in dorm rooms or otherareas where space is limited. It will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that modifications may be made to the abovedescribed embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

We claim:
 1. A game equipment support structure comprising: a basedefining a support plane; a pole support, a first end of the polesupport being releaseably connectable to the base; a panel having atleast a first major planar surface, the panel further having a supportfitting fixedly attached thereto; a second end of the pole support beingreleasably connectable to the support fitting; whereby the gameequipment support structure is readily configurable between: a firstpanel configuration wherein: the pole support is formed by at least onepole member; the first end of the pole support has a first longitudinalaxis and the second end of the pole support has a second longitudinalaxis generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, such thatwhen the support fitting is connected to the pole support, the firstmajor planar surface of the panel is generally perpendicular to thesupport plane; and the first major planar surface of the panel includesa detachable game apparatus, and a second panel configuration wherein:the pole support is formed by a single pole member having a singlelongitudinal axis, such that when the support fitting is connected tothe pole support, the first major planar surface of the panel isgenerally parallel to the support plane to form a table.
 2. The gameequipment support structure of claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is adart board.
 3. The game equipment support structure of claim 1, whereinthe game apparatus is a basketball goal assembly.
 4. The game equipmentsupport structure of claim 1, wherein the pole support of the firstpanel configuration has an offset portion, whereby a center of gravityof the panel is generally aligned with a center of gravity of the base.5. A game equipment support structure comprising: a base defining asupport plane; a pole support, a first end of the pole support beingreleaseably connectable to the base; a panel having at least a firstmajor planar surface, the panel further having a support fitting fixedlyattached thereto, a second end of the pole support being releasablyconnectable to the support fitting; whereby the game equipment supportstructure is readily configurable between: a first panel configurationwherein: the pole support is formed by at least one pole member; thefirst end of the pole support has a first longitudinal axis and thesecond end of the pole support has a second longitudinal axis generallyperpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, such that when the supportfitting is connected to the pole support, the first major planar surfaceof the panel is generally perpendicular to the support plane; and thefirst major planar surface of the panel includes a detachable gameapparatus, and a second panel configuration wherein: the pole support isformed by a single pole member; and the single pole member has a firstend with a first longitudinal axis and a second end of the single polemember has a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinalaxis, such that when the support fitting is connected to the polesupport, the first major planar surface of the panel is generallyparallel to the support plane to form a table.